The Chinese Super League transfer window has opened with some big-name players linked with a move to the cashed-up Asian league.

Although the competition was launched in 2004, it's only made an impact on the global stage due to a recent raft of mega-bucks signings and astronomical wages.

Former Chelsea star Oscar's £60million move to Shanghai SIPG, where he is earning £350,000 a week, made him the seventh most expensive player in football history.

Carlos Tevez, well known to the Premier League after runs at West Ham, Manchester United and Manchester, is at neighbouring Shanghai Shenhua, who are managed by former Brighton and Sunderland boss Gus Poyet.

He has managed just one goal for the club but is earning £615,000-a-week, which dwarfs the staggering £290,000 former Southampton striker Graziano Pelle gets.

As the European window approaches, with some world class playing being linked to major moves, here are five stars who could go to the Far East and why.

Wayne Rooney

Man United legend Rooney and where his future lies has been a significant talking point recently and the Chinese Super League is realistically among his potential destinations.

In February, Rooney's agent Paul Stretford flew to China to see if a deal could be negotiated for the 31-year-old in a major hint that United boss Jose Mourinho would let him go.

The former England captain was linked with three Chinese clubs but a deal was not agreed with any of them.

Rooney is set to announce his plans for the future this month.

Wayne Rooney applauds after the Michael Carrick testimonial - was it farewell to Old Trafford? (Image: Rex Features)

Diego Costa

Costa has scored 52 Premier League goals for Chelsea since joining in the 2014/15 season but he is another player being heavily linked to China.

He was apparently 'on the verge' of completing a £76million move to Tianjian Ouanjian this summer and the contract he was offered was said to be worth £25.3m per season, but that hasn't come to fruition.

If the ex-Atletico Madrid striker was to move for that price, he would become the most expensive player in the Chinese Super League.

Diego Costa appears set for the exit at Stamford Bridge (Image: PA Wire)

However, while speaking to DIRECTVSports about his future at Chelsea, he said: "I am the owner of my future and it does not mean that I am going to China."

Costa's spat with Blues boss Antonio Conte, in which he revealed the manager told him he wasn't in his plans for next season, appear to be the nail in the coffin for his future at Stamford Bridge.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Could the Real Madrid star really be starting the 2017/18 campaign somewhere other than the Bernabeu?

If he does make the much-speculated move, China is a place where there may they may actually have enough money to make it happen.

Ronaldo in action for Portugal as speculation rages back in Europe about his future (Image: Getty)

The 32-year-old last week said he wants to leave the La Liga champions as he was not happy in Spain following tax fraud accusations.

And it's no surprise that Ronaldo, as the most lucrative brand in football, is on top of the Chinese Super League wishlist.

In December, his agent Jorge Mendes said that an unnamed Chinese club put in a £250m bid for him with a wage of £1.6m a week for the player, but he wasn't interested.

Mendes said it's normal to get offers for his client, the best player in the world, but that it didn't necessarily mean he was going.

Olivier Giroud

Giroud is a player who's future is very much on the line with a move away from Arsenal appearing increasingly likely.

The Frenchman admitted in January that he would not rule out a move to China, once he wins the Premier League.

Olivier Giroud has the FA Cup but says he wants the Premier League before he goes (Image: Getty)

While speaking at a Puma event, he said: "If you ask me if I would like to go now, I would tell you no.

"I still want to play in the Premier League. I am happy here. This is my club and I want to win more trophies with this club.

"The Premier League is my main target. After I have won it, maybe one day, you never know."

So Giroud is a maybe then. Unless it isn't his choice.

John Terry

John Terry said goodbye to Chelsea at the end of last season after a 19-year career at the west London side.

Terry has had plenty of interest from the Premier League and Championship, but Chinese sides too are interested in the experienced defender.

John Terry could be headed for a final payday as a player in China (Image: Rex Features)

In April, it was reported that Tevez's side Shanghai Shenhua were willing to pay the 36-year-old £20million a year.

It was also reported that he would consider the offers from China, along with other clubs, ahead of the new season.

If Terry doesn't want to join a rival Premier League club and is eager for a final payday as a player, he could do worth than China.